Hot New Jersey summers call for cool, refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Beach or poolside, at sidewalk tables or in air-conditioned havens, readers can try one of these fresh, thirst-quenching coolers suggested by a few Two River area restaurants.
Jersey White Peach Bellini Martini
In honor of New Jersey celebrating its 350th birthday, Ama Ristorante’s beverage director Beau Keegan will be featuring his delicious summer martini – the White Peach Bellini Martini – on Ama Ristorante’s cocktail menu. Keegan said what separates him from other mixologists is: A culinary student and a chef who views his fine ingredients like a palette, Keegan has a mission to use the best ingredients found and a chef’s approach to taste profiles and is willing to go to great lengths to source his ingredients.
Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, 1485 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright
WHITE PEACH BELLINI MARTINI
2 ounces Purity® vodka
½ ounce peach schnapps
1 ½ ounces White Jersey Peach Puree
Shake ingredients and serve in a martini glass. Top with prosecco and layer in grenadine. Place a white peach slice on the rim of the martini glass.
WHITE PEACH PUREE (16 ounces)
12 Jersey peaches peeled and diced
4 ounces orange juice
4 ounces simple syrup
Puree ingredients together and double strain to puree consistency.
McLoone’s Sangria
“McLoone’s Sangria is a refreshing seaside favorite with our guests, by the glass as well as the pitcher,” said Brian Nazzaro, bar manager, McLoone’s Pier House. “Our customers love the blend of wine, liqueurs, along with the fresh fruit garnish.”
McLoone’s Pier House, 1 Ocean Ave., Long Branch
McLOONE’S SANGRIA (per serving)
8 ounces red or white wine
1 ounce apricot brandy
1 ounce peach schnapps
Add orange juice, pineapple juice, splash of lemon lime soda and a garnish of Granny Smith Apples, lemon, lime and orange wedges.
While its restaurant is being rebuilt, the owners of the Channel Club Marina decided to open the tiki bar to the public last year and it has become one of the hottest spots on the Jersey Shore. Tucked in behind The Channel Club Caterers by the pool and overlooking the marina, The Tiki Bar & Grille is surrounded by giant palm trees and flowers and it is a relaxing spot for lunch, dinner and cocktails. “Our guests feel like they are in Key West,” manager Debrah Hollen said.
Channel Club Marina, 1 Channel Drive, Monmouth Beach
FROZEN SALTY IRISHMAN
1 ½ ounces of Jamison Irish Whiskey
1 ½ ounces of Baileys Irish Cream
dash of cream
ice
Blend. Serve with a caramel swirl inside the cup and salted rim.
Orange Crush
“The Orange Crush is our signature drink,” said Chris Wood, aka Woody, owner of Woody’s Ocean Grille. “It’s summer in a glass and a popular refreshing cocktail. It’s our No. 1 drink and people enjoy it.”
Woody’s Ocean Grille, 1 E. Church St., Sea Bright
ORANGE CRUSH
orange-flavored vodka
triple sec
½ freshly squeezed orange
splash of Sprite
fresh key lime juice
Shake well. Serve over ice in a frosted glass.
Windansea Rum Punch
Rum Punches are reminiscent of summers by the beach and tropical vacations,” said Staci Gilchrist, general manager. “This is what it feels like when you visit Windansea – and why it is one of out favorites!”
Windansea, 56 Shrewsbury Ave., Highlands
WINDANSEA RUM PUNCH
1 ounce Cruzan Coconut Rum
½ ounce Cruzan Mango Rum
½ ounce Cruzan Banana Rum
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
Splash of grenadine
Garnish with an orange slice and cherry and enjoy!
